Polyoxyethylene derivatives as antipruritic ectoparasiticide

Abstract

Certain ethoxylates have been found to exhibit concurrent activities of particular merit in the treatment of ectoparasitic infestations.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method of controlling ectoparasites or their ova which comprises applying to a human or animal host in need of such control, an effective toxic amount of at least one derivative of polyoxyethylene having an HLB of about 2.5-13.5, said derivative being an alkyl ester containing 12 to 24 carbon atoms thereof. 
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1 wherein said ester moiety contains 12 to 20 carbon atoms. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim 1 wherein said derivative is employed in combination with an inert pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim 3 wherein said carrier is an aqueous carrier. 
     
     
       5. The method of claim 1 wherein said derivative is polyoxyethylene (2) oleate, polyoxyethylene (2) laurate of HLB 7.4 or polyoxyethylene (8) dilaurate. 
     
     
       6. The method of claim 1 wherein said ectoparasite is lice.